Huntington University kicked off the festive season by providing a community gift of its own, in support of the March of Dimes Canada Non-Profit Housing Corporation’s Moving A-Head capital campaign.

As part of the university’s annual lighting of its 45-foot tall Christmas tree – the tallest lit Christmas tree in Northern Ontario – Huntington University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Kevin McCormick, announced a generous $2,500 donation in support of the capital campaign to construct a 12 person home dedicated to supporting Northern Ontario individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injury and require accessible affordable housing in addition to specialized brain injury rehabilitation services.

“Every year, in celebration of our university’s annual lighting of its 45-foot tall Christmas tree we make a donation and raise awareness about a worthwhile community initiative,” said Dr. McCormick. “There is a large gap in Northern Ontario for persons with complex brain injuries requiring adaptive housing and specialized services. We hope that our community gift, in support of this capital campaign, will result in more people coming forward this holiday season with donations.”

“We are extremely grateful to Huntington University and their efforts to give back to the community through this generous donation,” said Dr. Rayudu Koka, Moving A-Head Campaign Co-Chair. “Northern Ontario experiences the highest rate of acquired brain injuries in the province, with the large majority of brain injury survivors between 18 and 40 years of age. For those this young, living life with dignity comes from living in a homelike environment. Please help us build this opportunity.”

“This is more than a new building. This type of living environment offers residents a better quality of life than hospital facilities, and relieves the stress on families which are not equipped to care for a loved one who has a significant disability,” said Louise Paquette, Moving A-Head Campaign Co-Chair. “Thank you very much to Huntington University, and Dr. Kevin McCormick, for investing in our vision and helping to raise awareness about the Moving A-Head campaign.”

The capital campaign goal is set at $726,000. The anticipated cost of the expansion project is $5.4 million. To make a donation and learn more about the March of Dimes Canada Non-Profit Housing Corporation Moving A-Head Campaign visit marchofdimes.ca.